Continue
In the first step, prewriting, you will plan what you want to say. An outline is a great prewriting tool for book reports. Start your book report outline with the following five ideas. Each idea should correspond to a paragraph:
·
Introduction
Most book reports begin with the basic information about the book: the book’s
title, author, genre, and publication information (publisher, number of pages,
and year published). The opening paragraph is also your opportunity to build
interest by mentioning any unusual facts or circumstances about the writing of
the book or noteworthy credentials of the author.
Was the book a bestseller?
Is the author a well-known authority on the subject?
Book reports are personal, too, so it is perfectly acceptable to state why
you chose to read it.
· Summary of Book
Start this paragraph by writing an overview of the story, including its setting, time period, main characters, and plot. Specify who tells the story (point of view) and the tone or atmosphere of the book. Is it a creepy tale of suspense or a lighthearted adventure?
- Book Details
Character : in this paragraph, describe the main characters and identify the major conflict or problem the main characters are trying to solve. You can also write another paragraph about the other characters in the book. These questions help you to write this part:
1. From what sources are the characters drawn?
2. What is the author's attitude toward his characters?
3. Are the characters flat or three-dimensional?
4. Does character development occur?
5. Is character delineation direct or indirect?
Theme details:
1.What is/are the major theme(s)?
2.How are they revealed and developed?
3.Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and original?
4.Is the theme didactic, psychological, social, entertaining, escapist, etc. in purpose or intent?
Plot:
In writing about the plot, you don’t need to tell every detail of the story. Instead, focus on the main sequence of events. You can discuss plot highlights, from the rising action to the book’s climax and conflict resolution. Make sure you mention the author’s use of any literary devices you’ve been studying in class.
1. How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense,
climax, conclusion) handled?
2. What is the relationship of plot to character delineation?
3. To what extent, and how, is accident employed as a complicating and/or
resolving force?
4. What are the elements of mystery and suspense?
5. What other devices of plot complication and resolution are employed?
6. Is there a sub-plot and how is it related to the main plot?
7. Is the plot primary or secondary to some of the other essential elements
of the story (character, setting, style, etc.)?
Setting:
1. What is the setting and does it play a significant role in the work?
2. Is a sense of atmosphere evoked, and how?
3. What scenic effects are used and how important and effective are they?
4. Does the setting influence or impinge on the characters and/or plot?
· Evaluation and Conclusion
Personal Evaluation and Conclusion
You’ll like writing the final paragraph because it is here that you’ll be able
to offer your own critique of the book.
1. What are the book’s strengths and weaknesses?
2. Did the book hold your interest?
3. What did you learn from the book?
4. If you read a work of fiction, how did the book affect you?
5. Try to be balanced in your opinions, and support your statements with
examples from the book. Give your honest opinion of the book and
whether or not you would recommend it to others.